Latest Contributions

• Robert Draper: The TT Interview

  By Ross Ramsey May 15, 2012

  The author of a new book on Congress on what's wrong in Washington, what might change things and whether he thinks more or less of the institution after seeing it up close. Full Story 

• Early Voting is Here — Use Our Election Brackets to Help You Get Ready

  By Ross Ramsey May 14, 2012

  Monday is the first day of early voting for Texas' May 29 primary. Our election brackets can help you prepare for voting on the various legislative and congressional races. Full Story 

• Current Differences Hint at Possible Friction in '13

  By Ross Ramsey May 14, 2012

  Usually, the political establishment is more or less united, with major trade groups and major officeholders sticking with incumbents and, more importantly, sticking with one another. Not this year. Full Story 

• TribWeek: In Case You Missed It

  By Ross Ramsey May 12, 2012

  E. Smith interviews Dan Patrick about John Carona, Root on the race to replace Ron Paul, Batheja on a nest of open House seats in Tarrant County, Aguilar on a border brawl over a congressional seat in El Paso, Tan on the fight over Planned Parenthood in West Texas, Aaronson maps the holes in the state's health care provider network, M. Smith on who might be the next Texas education commissioner, Ramshaw on social media sabotage, Hamilton and Ramshaw on the reaction to news of job insecurity for UT-Austin's president and Grissom on a knickers-twisting historical marker: The best of our best content from May 7 to 11, 2012. Full Story 

• Campaign Chatter

  By Ross Ramsey May 11, 2012

  The endorsements just keep on rolling in... Full Story 

• Inside Intelligence: What's Moving the Dial?

  By Ross Ramsey May 8, 2012

  For this week's nonscientific survey of political and governmental insiders, we asked about the issues and groups with the greatest influence on the May primaries, about early voting, and about whether online voting ought to be allowed. Full Story 

• The Texas Weekly Hot List: Gauging Primary Races

  By Ross Ramsey May 8, 2012

  Here's a look at congressional and legislative primary races, ranked by competitive heat. This list is certainly subject to argument, and we'll revise and adjust each week through the May 29 primary. Full Story 

• Jack Abramoff: The TT Interview

  By Ross Ramsey May 8, 2012

  The former lobbyist on how to regulate lobbying in Washington, why he thinks the system is essentially corrupt, when money in politics is a problem and when it's not, and why anyone should listen to someone like him. Full Story 

• A Private Battle Turns Public in Texas Senate

  By Ross Ramsey May 7, 2012

  The quiet race for lieutenant governor isn't quiet any more, as two senators opened a fiery and very public email fight over gossip that could sink both of their chances to succeed Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst. Full Story 

• Race is for District 10, but the Magic Number is 12

  By Ross Ramsey May 4, 2012

  Wendy Davis isn't the only reason for the political stirrings in Senate District 10. It's because she serves as a security vote that props up the Democrats and trips up the Republicans. Full Story